Stamford, CT Location
Welcome to The Hangout Spot
All children have a right to meaningful relationships with others. Our evidence-based programs are designed to eliminate barriers to friendship and empower children to be socially successful throughout their lives. The Hangout Spot is a private-pay program; we do not bill or accept insurance for our services.
Our Stamford Team
Join our team! Click here for employment opportunities.
Meghan Perazella
M.Ed. BCBA LBA (CT)
Founder & CEO
Launching The Hangout Spot with her Co-Founder is the culmination of Meghan’s professional and personal journey focused on bringing a level of care and support to her community that foundationally improves lives one at a time. Meghan brings passion and over seventeen years of experience to The Hangout Spot, having provided special education and behavior analytic services in the center, home-, and public-school settings throughout Fairfield County. Meghan has co-authored publications in Autism Parenting Magazine and Behavioral Science in the 21st Century blog and served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Saint Joseph. She is a five-time prize recipient of awards honoring excellence and leadership in working with children with disabilities. Meghan earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Severe Special Needs and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development from Boston College. She later completed her Post-Master BCBA Certificate at Endicott College.
Audrey Cook
MS BCBA LBA (CT)
and Autistic Advocate
Audrey has worked with individuals with autism and other disabilities since she was a teenager. In 2018, she transformed her passion into a career, graduating from the University of Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. Upon graduation, she served as a special education teacher in Harlem and the South Bronx, gaining invaluable experience working with elementary and middle school students. Audrey received her BCBA credential in 2026 after graduating with her master’s degree from Endicott College and truly loves coming to work every day. As an autistic adult, Audrey brings valuable lived experience that informs her empathetic, client-centered approach to care. She is also an autistic advocate, speaking at conferences nationwide on panels with other autistic women to promote the inclusion of autistic perspectives in ABA practice. Audrey’s passion, creativity, and ability to develop strong relationships with her clients are just a few of the attributes that make her an asset to The Hangout Spot community.
Ava Gabriele
Behavior Technician
Ava works as a Behavior Technician providing leadership with “a no child left behind “mindset. She is from Greenwich, Connecticut, and studies psychology and human development & family sciences at the University of Connecticut. Ava’s extensive background and experience working with kids and teaching have enlightened her on the importance of cultivating relationships and social skills in children. She was immediately drawn to the passion and dedication that The Hangout Spot team holds and is so excited to have the opportunity to play a role in supporting the business’s mission.
Myriam Lisma
Behavior Technician
Myriam is a dedicated Behavior Technician, driven by a lifelong passion for helping children. Her personal journey, marked by significant cultural adaptation since her move from Haiti to the United States at the age 13; ambitioning her to strive for better every day. Growing up surrounded by kids, along with having always been the eldest of her family, Myriam developed an innate ability to care for and connect with children. This passion for assisting kids, coupled with her volunteer experience at Stamford Hospital where she honed her responsibility, communication, and social skills, has fueled her ambition to become a pediatrician. Her role as a Behavior Technician allows her to gain practical experience in supporting children’s behavioral and developmental needs. She hopes that her efforts and hard work help inspire those around her.